Walmart has agreed to acquire a minority stake in Sustainable Beef, a rancher-owned company based in Nebraska, US. The retail giant is investing in agriculture and food production as consumers eat differently and want to know more about where their food comes from. The strategic partnership comes as Walmart looks to source "top-quality" Angus beef from Sustainable Beef’s new processing facility, which is expected to open in 2024, creating 800 jobs. The investment helps supplement the current beef industry and provides additional opportunities for ranchers to increase their business. Tyler Lehr, senior vice president of merchandising for deli services, meat and seafood at Walmart US, said: “We know Sustainable Beef has a responsible approach to beef processing, one that includes creating long-term growth for cattle ranchers and family farmers. This investment provides greater visibility into the beef supply chain and complements Walmart’s regeneration commitment to improve grazing management.” Working with cattle feeders and ranchers, Sustainable Beef will aim to improve and refine the beef supply chain. Animal care will follow the 'Five Freedoms' and a consistent approach to antibiotic use will be implemented in line with American Veterinary Medical Association standards. The partnership aims to ensure long-term economic viability for cattle ranchers. “We found that Sustainable Beef and Walmart aligned on continuing to improve how we care for our animals and crops and provide consumers the positive experience of enjoying quality beef,” added David Briggs, CEO of Sustainable Beef.

Britvic’s Tango taps into the growing demand for sugar-free products with the launch of its popular apple flavour in a sugar-free format. The Tango brand has doubled in size over the last five years and now, worth over £60 million, stands as the fourth largest brand in the fruit-flavoured carbonates category. Ben Parker, retail commercial director at Britvic commented: “Tango has a proven track record when it comes to new product development with Tango Berry Peachy Sugar- Free the number one new fruit flavoured carbonate in 2022. Tango’s long heritage with the apple flavour and strong taste credentials, mean Tango Apple Sugar Free is well placed to continue this success and drive growth.” Tango is well placed to continue its growth through sugar-free flavours, which currently deliver £25 million in value sales (up 54% from last year). Britvic is a leader in healthier soft drinks, over 90% of its brands in the UK are either low or no sugar drinks. Tango Apple Sugar Free is available in Tesco, joining the wider market from mid-September.

Lorival Luz has resigned as CEO of Brazilian meat company BRF and will be replaced by Marfrig Global Foods’ Miguel Gularte, according to Reuters. Luz joined the company as global chief financial officer in 2017, before being promoted to chief operating officer in 2018 and then to CEO in 2019. The reasons for his resignation were not disclosed. Meanwhile, Luz will be succeeded by Gularte, whose most recent role was as CEO of meat business Marfrig. He also previously worked at JBS. BRF says that the move does not reflect an intention to merge the two companies, despite longstanding speculation about a possible business combination, according to Reuters. Marfrig, which owns 33.27% of BRF, has previously stated that it was only interested in a passive stake in the business.

General Mills has expanded its Trix cereal brand to the snacking sector with the launch of Trix Popcorn. General Mills describes Trix Popcorn as a "perfectly balanced sweet and salty snack". The popcorn features a Trix-flavoured fruity glaze, along with bits of cereals. The latest launch joins General Mills' brands – Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Cocoa Puffs – lineup of snackable popcorns. Trix Popcorn is available at Sam’s Club for $6.48 for a 20oz bag and will roll out at Walmart stores for $3.69 per 7oz bag from October.

US ice cream franchise, Cold Stone Creamery, has launched a limited-edition, autumn-inspired ice cream flavour. Brown Sugar Cookie Dough Sensation is made with brown sugar ice cream, cookie dough, brown sugar and caramel. "The start of sweater weather doesn't mean you have to stop eating ice cream," said Sara Schmillen, vice president of marketing at Kahala Brands, parent company of Cold Stone. "This season brings brown sugar, spice and everything nice and cosy, and we know our guests will love our take on baked goods imagined as super-premium ice cream flavours." The ice cream flavour will be available in stores nationwide until 29 November.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has carried out the first large study to compare levels of four key micronutrients – phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and selenium – in eight different plant-based milk substitutes, as well as cow’s milk. The FDA analysed levels of the four minerals in 85 samples of plant milks, made from almond, cashew, coconut, hemp, oat, pea, rice and soya. The study found that almost all plant-based milks have lower amounts of the four micronutrients, with the exception of milk substitutes made from pea protein, which contain similar levels to cow’s milk. Phosphorus promotes growth and tissue repair, while selenium is needed for a healthy immune system. “Those who consume plant-based milk alternatives lower in these target minerals should seek to obtain these nutrients through other foods or beverages,” said Benjamin Redan of the FDA. Clare Thornton-Wood, a spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association, added: “All of these nutrients can be obtained from other sources, such as nuts, seeds and lentils”. Alternative milks have been growing in popularity in recent years, and while health is a significant driver in the adoption of plant-based foods, other factors such as sustainability and animal welfare are also key motivators.

Walmart has offered to buy the remaining 47% stake in South African retailer Massmart for ZAR 6.4 billion (approx. $379 million). Massmart is a South African company that owns various brands, including food and liquor wholesaler Makro. The amount of the offer is equivalent to a premium of 53% to the closing share price on 26 August 2022. Massmart says that if finalised, the deal would provide ongoing financial and operational support for the business's turnaround, which has been hindered by external factors, such as Covid-related restrictions on trading, civil unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and a challenging economic environment. Walmart originally acquired a 51% stake in the retailer in 2010, but Massmart has faced a number of challenges over recent years, according to Reuters. Massmart's chairman, Kuseni Dlamini, commented that the terms and conditions of the offer are "fair and reasonable". Additionally, Massmart has announced that its chief operating officer, Jonathan Molapo, has been promoted to CEO. He will succeed Mitchell Slape, who will step down from the role on 31 December 2022. Walmart plans to de-list Massmart post-deal.

BASF has agreed to sell its Nutrilife baking enzymes portfolio and business to Lallemand subsidiary, Danstar Ferment. Nutrilife can help food manufacturers in areas including increasing dough stability, preserving freshness during shelf-life and ensuring consistent baking results. “Baking enzymes is not a strategic fit for BASF," said Michael de Marco, BASF’s VP of global business management enzymes. "With Lallemand we have found an excellent partner to strategically continue and strengthen our baking enzymes business and to be a reliable supplier. We will accompany the transaction to ensure a smooth handover for our customers.” The acquisition will further broaden Lallemand's product portfolio and geographical footprint. The company recently entered into the development and production of enzymes. Lars Asferg, president of Lallemand Bio-Ingredients, said: “We look forward to continuing to provide Nutrilife customers with enzyme expertise as well as access to innovative ingredients based on the Lallemand yeast and bacteria technology platforms”. The deal, which is expected to close on 30 September, is subject to customary closing conditions.

US fast food restaurant chain, Hardee's, has partnered with Nashville-based brewery Southern Grist to launch a limited-edition strawberry biscuit ale. The biscuit beer is infused with 200 pounds of Hardee's 'Made from Scratch Biscuits', incorporating hints of strawberry jam and buttermilk. Hardee's parent company CKE Restaurants said that the biscuit-infused beer "required months of planning and trial runs by Southern Grist to find the perfect mix of biscuits, strawberry puree, grain, hops, yeast and water". CKE Restaurants VP of global culinary innovation Owen Klein commented: "When we came up with the idea for a Hardee's Biscuit Beer, only one brewery came to mind to bring the idea to life – Southern Grist. They approach brewing with the same mad scientist mentality that we use for our new menu launches and know how to deliver on flavour." He continued: "After a few rounds of testing, Southern Grist nailed it. An amazing crushable beer with subtle notes of fresh-baked biscuits, buttermilk, and strawberry jelly. All it took was a few hundred pounds of Made From Scratch Biscuits."

Müller Milk & Ingredients has announced plans to remove 500 tonnes of virgin plastic from its annual production of cream pots by switching to packaging made from recycled materials. Müller has converted 75% of its cream volume to rPET pots, which are made from 82% recycled plastics and are 100% recyclable. The pots have been supplied by packaging business Faerch, while Müller is also developing packaging solutions for the remaining 25% volume for 2023. The new pots have been rolled out across Müller's 150ml and 300ml cream range and join its fresh milk bottles, which have been 100% recyclable for years and contain 30% recycled material. Liam McNamara, joint chief executive officer at Müller Milk & Ingredients, said: “It’s clear that shoppers want great dairy products in packaging which preserves their quality, safety and shelf life whilst reducing environmental impact. We are continually searching for innovative solutions to use significantly less virgin plastic.” Mark Tollman, group strategic sales director at Faerch added: “We have worked closely with the Müller team to ensure the product had the highest level of recycled content possible, whilst maintaining the overall performance of the packaging through the supply chain”. The company has also scrapped coloured milk caps in partnership with Waitrose and Aldi to enable retention for reuse within the food sector.

US-based Italian sauce and pasta maker, Rao’s Homemade, has expanded its portfolio with a line of brick oven pizza. Rao’s Made For Home Brick Oven Pizza is available in four flavours, including: Five Cheese, a blend of fontina, romano and parmesan, as well as whole milk mozzarella and provolone; Meat Trio, which contains sausage, pepperoni and bacon; Uncured Pepperoni, a mixture of smokey and spicy pepperoni, mozzarella and Italian red sauce; and Fire Roasted Vegetable, contains fire-roasted peppers, tomatoes, onions and mushrooms. Each pizza features a sauce made with San Marzano Italian tomatoes, sauteed with garlic, onions and basil. The pizzas are available in select Sprouts, Whole Foods and Harris Teeter stores for $12.99.

Packaging manufacturer Mondi has opened the company's first recycling laboratory at its Frantschach mill in Austria. The new lab will test the recyclability of paper and paper-based packaging incorporating non-paper elements, such as coatings. Non-paper components, such as barrier coatings, may be added to enhance the functionality of packaging. However, these can impact recyclability. The company will carry out tests on paper and paper-based packaging products to determine whether they can be efficiently recycled. The data collected will be used to improve existing products and provide information about their environmental impact. The results will also be used to improve the design of new packaging and the circularity of Mondi's material flows. Elisabeth Schwaiger, head of research and development and IP flexible packaging at Mondi, said: “The ability to provide our customers with information on the recyclability of our products will be a key enabler in our efforts to develop more sustainable solutions and enhance our value proposition for customers." She continued: "Currently, 78% of Mondi’s group-wide portfolio is already either reusable, recyclable or compostable. This recycling lab enables us to move closer to our 'MAP2030' goals of making 100% of our products fulfil these requirements by 2025.”